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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Emerald (Qld) has an estimated 16,095 residents, up from 14,904 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,191 people, or 8.0%. Growth has averaged 1.2% a year over five years. 229 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Natural increase accounts for 62.0% of that increase. Density is about 19 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of the demographic figures from the ABS alongside post-Census address validation, the suburb of Emerald (Qld) is calculated to have approximately 16,095 residents as of May 2026. Comparing this to the 2021 Census count of 14,904, the local population expanded by 1,191 people (8.0%). This calculated increase relies on an estimated population baseline of 16,076 determined from the June 2025 release of ABS ERP figures, combined with 229 validated new addresses established post-Census. With these numbers, the local density ratio stands at 19.3 persons per square kilometer, indicating residents enjoy considerable space.
The growth rate of 8.0% recorded since the 2021 census paced ahead of the SA3 area (6.3%) and the broader SA4 territory, establishing the community as a regional frontrunner. Natural increases supplied the bulk of these gains, accounting for roughly 62.0% of the growth, even though net interstate and overseas migration also remained in positive territory. Projections published in 2024 using 2022 as a starting point by the ABS and Geoscience Australia are utilized for each SA2 zone. Where such figures are unavailable or for any periods beyond 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 utilizing 2021 data are substituted. Because the Queensland state datasets omit breakdown by age group, age cohort growth is weighted proportionally using the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections that rely on 2022 data. Future trends point to a population growth rate sitting slightly underneath the median mark for regional Australia, with projections across the SA2 areas suggesting the population will grow by 1,399 persons by 2041, representing a total expansion of 8.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
99 new dwellings have been approved in Emerald (Qld) over the past five years, an average of 19 a year. That is 1.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 42, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals indicates that the suburb of Emerald (Qld) averaged approximately 19 development approvals for residential builds annually, giving a total of 99 approvals over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in the course of FY-26, approvals have reached 39. During the five-year span between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 9.5 additional residents entered the community for every single dwelling built, showing a substantial lag in supply compared to demand, which typically drives up pricing and intensifies buyer competition. The average value of these newly approved residential projects sits at $542,000, signaling a clear prioritization of higher-end premium developments by builders.
Commercial progress is also visible, with approvals totaling $12.5 million during the current financial year. Relative to the Rest of Qld, development volumes per capita in the suburb of Emerald (Qld) match the broader state averages to keep local market dynamics balanced, despite a recent deceleration in building starts. The local rate trails the national average, reflecting a mature layout or potential zoning limitations. Detached residences comprise 94.0% of the new building stock while attached configurations make up 6.0%, keeping the classic low-density aesthetic intact with spacious houses designed for families. Highlighting the quiet building landscape is a ratio of 1604 people for every single dwelling approval. Looking forward, the population of the suburb of Emerald (Qld) is anticipated to increase by 1,380 residents by 2041 according to the most recent quarterly projections. If the current pace of construction persists, the supply of homes could fall short of demand, potentially intensifying competition among buyers and helping to push up property prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Emerald (Qld)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 7 current infrastructure and development projects inside Emerald (Qld), worth an estimated $42 million. A further 40 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.41 billion. 13 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, transport & logistics and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning updates are primary drivers of local market trends. A total of 11 significant projects have been tracked that will likely affect the suburb of Emerald (Qld), with key initiatives including the Codenwarra Road Mixed-Use Development Site, the Nogoa Rise Estate Residential Development, the apartment complex at 91 Gray Street, and the upgrades to the Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Codenwarra Road Mixed-Use Development Site
Approved major shopping centre and mixed-use development situated opposite Central Highlands Marketplace on an 11.45 hectare site. To be developed by Development Directive Pty Ltd, the proposed centre will feature a supermarket, 8 individual retail outlets, and 268 car parking spaces. The Central Highlands Regional Council approved a rebate for a change in land use in April 2026 to facilitate the development.
Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens Redevelopment
A 7 million AUD redevelopment of the 42-hectare Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens. The project features the construction of a new permanent, flood-resilient footbridge over the Nogoa River and extensive pathway upgrades to improve safety, connectivity, and accessibility for the community.
Nogoa Rise Estate Residential Development
Multi-stage residential estate development by Central Highlands Regional Council featuring fully serviced residential lots in Emerald's sought-after Nogoa Rise area. The development has expanded to Stages 5 and 6, offering quality residential opportunities in the growing Central Highlands region.
91 Gray Street Apartment Development
Small-scale residential apartment development featuring 11 modern residential units across 2 floors in Emerald's Central Highlands region. The project represents a modest urban infill development providing additional housing options in this regional Queensland mining and agricultural service center.
Gregory-Capricorn Highway Intersection Upgrade
Intersection upgrade at the junction of Gregory and Capricorn Highways in Emerald, involving widening approaches, installing traffic signals, and improving turning lanes. The upgrade enhances safety and reduces congestion at this critical junction serving both local and through traffic. The project also included pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
Emerald Hospital Emergency Department Upgrade
A complete refurbishment and upgrade of the Emergency Department at Emerald Hospital that officially opened in April 2024. The upgrade improves patient flow and provides better access to care closer to home. Features include improved privacy, additional clinical consultation spaces, resuscitation bays, better treatment spaces for mental health crisis patients, and a safer treatment environment.
Capricorn Highway Widening (Winton Creek to Agricultural College)
Safety upgrade to widen and rehabilitate about 2.5-2.6 km of the Capricorn Highway east of Emerald between Winton Creek and the Emerald Agricultural College. Scope included pavement widening and strengthening, wide centre line treatment, drainage works, sealing and line marking to improve safety and heavy vehicle operations. Funding reported at about $5m across the Australian and Queensland Governments, with delivery by Queensland TMR via contractor Decmil. Indicative completion: 2022.
Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service Renewal
Replacement of the existing healthcare facility with a new modular design.
9,971 residents of Emerald (Qld) are employed, from a labour force of 10,154. Unemployment sits at 1.8%, with participation at 81.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 14,427, about 90% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Emerald (Qld) has a skilled labor force with strong representations in industrial and manufacturing sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. Data from March 2026 reveals that 9,971 residents are employed, with the local unemployment rate sitting 2.1% lower than the 3.9% recorded across Regional Qld. Workforce participation is remarkably high, reaching 81.7% compared to Regional Qld's average of 64.3%. Meanwhile, Census data shows that a minor 5.1% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure reflects the influence of pandemic lockdowns. The dominant employment sectors for residents are mining, retail trade, and education & training.
The suburb of Emerald (Qld) shows a heavy concentration in mining, which employs a share of the workforce 5.3 times greater than the regional benchmark. Conversely, health care & social assistance is underrepresented, employing 7.9% of locals compared to 16.1% across the region. Although local employment is available, comparisons between the Census working population and resident counts suggest a significant portion of the workforce travels outside the area for employment. Based on local aggregations of SALM and ABS statistics, the overall labor force shrank by 5.0% and total employment fell by 4.1% over the year ending March 2026, leading to a drop of 0.9 percentage points in the unemployment rate. This trend diverges from Regional Qld, which saw employment rise by 0.1%, the labor force increase by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate tick up by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context regarding future local demand. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sector growth rates vary. When these national projections are applied to the local industry distribution, employment in the suburb of Emerald (Qld) is projected to rise by 5.1% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, which represents a basic weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes that does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Emerald (Qld) is $2,202 a week (about $115,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,035 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $63,220 a year against an average of $79,209. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Aggregated taxpayer records from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that the suburb of Emerald (Qld) recorded a median taxpayer income of $63,220 and an average income of $79,209. These numbers are high on a national scale and compare to Regional Qld figures of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, local levels are estimated to have reached approximately $70,402 for the median and $88,207 for the average by March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms strong income levels locally, with family, household, and personal earnings placing in the 78th to 81st national percentiles.
The primary weekly income group consists of 5,971 residents (37.1% of the local population) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring regional trends where 31.7% of residents fall into this range. High-income earners are also well represented, with 31.6% of the population earning more than $3,000 weekly. After paying for housing, residents keep 87.2% of their income, indicating high disposable income, and the community is positioned in the 5th decile of the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Emerald (Qld) had 4,950 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 81% detached houses and 8% apartments. 39% are owned with a mortgage, 45% rented and 17% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $300 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,647 a month. Rent absorbs 13.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 17.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records show that the housing profile in the suburb of Emerald (Qld) consisted of 81.2% separate houses and 18.9% alternative housing options like apartments and semi-detached units. This compares to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Emerald (Qld) trailed the regional average, standing at 16.7%, while the remaining properties were split between those under mortgage (38.6%) and rented homes (44.8%). The median mortgage payment of $1,647 per month and the median weekly rent of $300 both sit below the Regional Qld medians of $1,655 and $345.
Locally, mortgage obligations are notably lower than the national average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly below the Australian benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Emerald (Qld) counted 4,950 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 5,346 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 25% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 73.7% of all households, with 37.4% consisting of couples with children, 25.4% consisting of couples without children, and 9.9% consisting of single parents. The remaining 26.3% are non-family households, which include lone person households at 22.9% and group households at 3.4%. The median household size of 2.7 individuals is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
17.4% of adults in Emerald (Qld) hold a university qualification, including 12.7% with a bachelor degree and 2.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 35.2% hold a vocational qualification. 10 schools serve the area, with 8,028 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 961 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment profiles show that 17.4% of residents hold university qualifications, which is below the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.1%. Practical and technical qualifications are widespread, with 43.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 35.2%. School and study participation is strong, with 35.3% of the population enrolled in an educational institution. This group includes 15.0% in primary schools, 10.6% in secondary schools, and 2.8% attending tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Emerald (Qld) means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
76.0% of residents in Emerald (Qld) report no long-term health condition. 3.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators are positive for the residents of the suburb of Emerald (Qld), with analysis of mortality rates and medical conditions showing outcomes that align closely with national averages. The rate of common health conditions is standard across all age groups, and private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, encompassing roughly 59% of the population (9,430 people) compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues locally, affecting 7.8% and 7.5% of residents respectively, while 76.0% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
The population under the age of 65 exhibits favorable health statistics. Residents aged 65 and older represent 9.5% of the community (1,529 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld figure of 20.4%. Health outcomes among these older residents are positive, with national comparative rankings that exceed those of the younger local cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Emerald (Qld) is largely Australian-born, at 84.0% of residents, with 9.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (29.4%) and English (28.2%). 3.6% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics are below the national average, with citizens making up 82.4% of the population, 84.0% of residents born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 55.7% of the population, which compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding parental birthplace and ancestry, the three largest groups are Australian at 29.4%, English at 28.2%, and Irish at 8.4%. There are also distinct local concentrations of other ancestries: Maori is represented at 1.7% in the suburb of Emerald (Qld) compared to 0.8% across the region, New Zealand ancestry is at 1.2% compared to 0.9%, and South Australian ancestry stands at 0.8% compared to 0.5% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Emerald (Qld) is 32, younger than 90% of areas nationally. 30.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 32 years in the suburb of Emerald (Qld) is significantly lower than the Regional Qld median of 41 and the national median of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher proportion of young adults aged 25 to 34 (17.0%) and fewer residents in the 75 to 84 bracket (2.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group rose from 4.7% to 6.4% of the population, and the 25 to 34 group increased from 15.8% to 17.0%, whereas the cohort aged 5 to 14 dropped from 17.6% to 15.3%.
Projections for 2041 suggest further shifts, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 22%, adding 602 residents to total 3,339, while the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Emerald (Qld)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 7 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 229 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (14,904 at the 2021 Census → 16,095 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL30973). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.